Supposedly money is possibly being raised in Omaha to put the CIR issue on a petition drive to see if this issue can be put before the voters on whether or not to have this system in the State in case nothing happens in the legislature. There was a discussion that possibly $2 million has been infused to this initiative from the tea party.

About 200 people showed up for the hearings on Monday, Feb 7th.

Labor suggests that everyone be in contact with their Senators and talk to them about the CIR bills and give them their thoughts on the issue. It is believed that there should be meetings in Senators districts about the issue. Pressure needs to come from back in the districts that the Senators represent. Having a Rally in Lincoln, like is occurring in Wisconsin, is not where they want to go. There may be a time and place for this but it certainly is not now.

Supposedly there is a Rally being held on the State Capitol steps in Iowa today.

So far there are 19 Senators who are on the fence regarding LB664 and the Constitution Amendment 29CA. The rest of the Senators are opposed to at least these two issues. Work is moving forward to educate those Senators in their districts.

It is still unknown exactly where this may all fall out. Organized labor wants to be involved in discussions with Senators if there are to be changes with the CIR. So it is imperative that relationships with Senators are established.

It is believed that the Wisconsin issue is the tip of the iceberg and it will go on for several more months. It is also felt that it is important that labor maintains a reasonableness attitude.